Biobank Manager
Location: Saudi Arabia Job/Position Summary
The Biobank Manager is responsible for the overall management, organization, and day-to-day operations of KAUST’s project-driven precision medicine biobank. This role involves overseeing human biological samples’ collection, storage, quality control, and distribution in compliance with regulatory standards, international best practices, and institutional policies. The Biobank Manager will support research activities, ensuring that biobanking procedures are streamlined and meet high ethical and quality standards. This position requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with researchers, laboratory staff, local and international clinicians, hospitals and research institutes, and other stakeholders. The Biobank aims to leverage KAUST’ss multi-omics and bioinformatics platforms to enhance the value of its collection.
Documentation: Lead the development and updates of the biobank documentation, including laboratory manuals, guidance documents, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in adherence with the current national and international regulations and best practices concerning all tasks undertaken for human biospecimens handling, processing, and storage
. Research Support: Work closely with principal investigators and research teams to understand their requirements for the procurement, processing, and storage of human biospecimens and provide support for the development of study protocols and sample collection strategies. Identify future opportunities which could enhance the value and effectiveness of the Biobank.
Technical Expertise : Strong understanding of biobanking practices, including sample handling, storage, data management, and relevant regulatory requirements
Analytical Skills: Ability to monitor and interpret data related to sample quality, inventory levels, and operational efficiency
Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, hospital representatives, laboratory staff, and regulatory bodies. Able to write/review SOPs and documents.
Leadership: Proven leadership skills to manage, motivate, and train a team of biobank staff, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous process improvement.
Problem-solving: Ability to identify and resolve issues related to sample management, storage conditions, and data accuracy promptly and effectively.
Information Technology: Knowledge of biobank laboratory information systems (LIMS) and requirements for integration with clinical and omics data systems.
Bioinformatics: Understanding the critical role bioinformatics can play in enhancing the research value of the Biobank.
Integrated omics: Knowledge of the vital role played by various omics (e.g., long-read sequencing, methylome, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics in enhancing the research value of the Biobank.
iPSCs and organoids: Knowledge of reprogramming patient cells into iPSCs and differentiation into ad hoc lineages for disease modeling and assay development. Masters or PhD degree in Biological Sciences, Laboratory Management,
Biochemistry, Genetics, or related fields. Advanced certificaton in biobanking (e.g., ISBER Certfied BiobankManager) is a plus.
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in biobank management or a related field,
with at least 3 years in a management role. Strong experience with sample collection, storage, and data management in a research or clinical setting. Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and best practices in biobanking.
